Israel agrees to sell Iranian drone defense systems to Ukraine – Axios
Previously, Israel was careful not to provide military assistance to Ukraine so as not to quarrel with the Russian Federation.
Israel has approved export licenses for the possible sale of anti-drone defense systems that could help Ukraine counter Iranian martyrs.
This is reported by the American edition of Axios, citing the words of Israeli and Ukrainian officials.
Why is it important for Ukraine
For the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Israel has approved defense export licenses for the possible sale of systems to Kiev.
Previously, Israel was careful not to provide military assistance to Ukraine. The country feared that such a move could create tension with Russia and harm Israel's interests in Syria.
What prompted Israel to take this step
According to sources, the licenses were approved by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen back in mid-February. Then, on the orders of Netanyahu, Israel reviewed its policy regarding the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
Licenses have been approved for two Israeli companies – Elbit and Rafael – developing anti-drone systems.
In Israel, they argue that the approval of export licenses is not a change in policy , since the systems are defensive in nature and cannot kill Russian soldiers.
A senior Israeli official told Axios that one of the reasons Israel approved the licenses was to see how defense systems work against Iranian drones.
A Ukrainian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a delegation from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry recently visited Israel to receive a presentation of anti-drone systems. However, the agreement has not yet been signed.
The systems have a range of about 25 miles and can be located near power plants or other critical sites to protect against drones.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is interested in these systems, but they are considered less critical, because the UAF managed to intercept drones in 75-90% of cases.
“We need more ballistic missile protection,” a Ukrainian official said.
Earlier it was reported that Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the risk of military cooperation between Iran and Russia.
It was also reported that against the backdrop of Iran's nuclear aggression, the United States and Israel are strengthening cooperation.
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